Evaluation of petroleum hydrocarbons adsorbtion and biodegradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells entrapped into silica-alginate beads

The aim of the work was to elaborate new method of wool entrapping into silica alginate beads and checking of their adsorption properties. The purpose of the present study was also to determine water bioremediation efficiency using Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells immobilized into wool entrapped into silica-alginate beads. The results of study showed that obtained capsules are stable in saline water environment. Additionally neither silica adsorbers nor wool impacted negatively on viability of bacterial strains that were entrapped into these capsules. Moreover, it should be underline that 83,01% of adsorbed engine oil has been degraded by immobilized microorganisms after 3 months of biodegradation process. The results proved that properties and non-toxic character of these beads are suitable enough to use them in purification of water from petroleum hydrocarbons.